There is a reason why Ireland is on most people’s bucket list. It is absolutely breathtaking!! From centuries old castles to beautiful landscapes and shorelines, Ireland has much to see and I am not done yet!
My husband and I have taken two trips to the “Land of My People” he always states!! AND….we plan to go back. There is so much more we want to see and do!
I will be sharing “must see” castles and landmarks that we visited on our trips, along with a few great places to stay! Please remember this post covers two trips so plan accordingly if you have fewer days.
Our first trip to Ireland included the Rock-n-Roll Half Marathon in Dublin so we knew we wanted to spend the last few days in Dublin resting before our race. I will begin at the top of our trip. We landed in Dublin, rented a car (see travel tips at bottom) and set out for Cork, which is about 3 hours south of Dublin in the County Cork. We stayed at the lovely Creedon’s B&B ran by husband and wife team, Martin and Bernie, who are such wonderful hosts! The rooms are quaint and comfortable but the best part of the stay is their Full Irish Breakfast and it is DELISH!!! It’s also included in the stay. We loved this place so much and the town of Cork too that we decided to make it our main stay for our second trip. More about our second trip including The City Cork later on in this post.
MUST SEE #1: BLARNEY CASTLE. No trip to Ireland is complete unless you visit Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone. (It is very wise to get up early and be there by 9am. The line can get VERY LONG!!!) Blarney Castle is a medieval stronghold that dates back to 1446. It’s structures are magnificent and each step takes you back in time. It’s not hard to imagine what it must have been like to hold off the enemy standing on the archer steps waiting to release your arrow or welcome guests in to the grand hall.
MUST SEE #2: The Cliffs of Moher. (pronounced More) (see travel tips) The Cliffs of Moher are sea cliffs located at the southwestern edge of the Burren region in County Clare. They truly are a spectacular sight to behold. We stayed at The Atlantic View BnB which also had a Full Irish Breakfast. Our host was quite lovely and very spunky!! Our rooms were very nice and had spacious bathrooms. Breakfast was the bomb here as well!
OTHER SIGHTS ALONG THE WAY: Bunratty Castle– a large 15th-century tower house in County Clare, Ireland. It is located in the centre of Bunratty village.
CASTLES AND SIGHTS EVERYWHERE
MUST SEE # 3: Trim Castle – Trim Castle is the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland. It was built by Hugh de Lacy in 1172 and sits on the south bank of the River Boyne in Trim, County Meath. Trim Castle is also the location for King John’s Castle in the 1995 film ‘Braveheart‘ starring Mel Gibson.
MUST SEE #4: Newgrange Neolithic Site – Older than both Stonehenge and the Egyptian Pyramids, Newgrange dates back to 3200 BC. These sites are also in the County Meath. There is still debate over the actual purpose of these ancient sites but most agree it was for religious purposes.
We stayed at the most unique and intriguing BnB while visiting Trim Castle and Newgrange. Set within 200 acres of grounds, the Rossnaree House overlooks Newgrange Neolithic Site. It offers very spacious, historical rooms each with their own private bath. The estate is absolutely beautiful with what we called oversized vegetation! The leaves of some plants were the size of our car. In addition there were “spooky” walking trails with trees that enveloped the trail! We definitely want to go back to Rossnaree
MUST SEE # 5: The City Cork-Our first trip to Ireland was limited as far as time is concerned. As a result we decided to plot a course that would take us to a different place each day (see travel tips). As I said before, we absolutely loved Cork so for our second trip we would make it our hub. Most people are more familiar with Dublin than they are Cork. However, I really feel that Cork embellishes all the old traditional themes of Ireland. Not only can you take in all this old city has to offer but one can really maximize their visit right out of Cork! A few must see sites in Cork include Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Cork City Gaol (pronounced Jail…and yes it really is a tour), The Church of St Anne, and The English Market. This is just a few sites to see! There are many great Pubs, restaurants and coffee shops as well! The OLIVER Plunkett is a lively place with great food and on some nights you can catch traditional Irish dance! Cafe Nero is a quaint little coffee shop that my husband I visited each day!!! Great people and great coffee there!! I would also suggest taking a day just to stroll throughout the city! You cannot go wrong! There is a site to see on each corner. You might wonder upon a marvelous little restaurant or coffee shop. 💕
MUST SEE #6: Cobh Ireland (day trip from Cork) – You absolutely do not want to miss out on seeing Cobh Ireland. This charming little seaport town is just a train ride away from Cork. Its winding, hilly streets will take you past an array of historical sites, many of which have breathtaking views!! From St. Coleman’s Cathedral and the Deck of Card houses to the The Titanic museum and Spike Island there is something to do and see everywhere you turn.
Yes, Cobh (pronounced Cove) was the last port of call for the Titanic before she met her doom. The Titanic museum is a great stop for young and old! You will be given a ticket upon your arrival that corresponds with a true passenger that would have been on the Titanic. After touring the museum you can look up your passenger and find out if they were one of the survivors.
MUST SEE/DO #7: THE RING OF KERRY/ WILD ATLANTIC ROAD TRIP!!!!!! This route is a must see and one of my FAVORITES!!! It covers 13 gorgeous little towns and winds along some of the most beautiful sites you will ever see!!! It is just amazing!!! The quaint and very colorful town of Kinsale is on this route along with the Killarney National Park and the Dingle Peninsula. I must note that we split this adventure into two days! The entire route takes about 5 hours to drive WITH NO STOPS!! Like I said before, we like to stop and enjoy and take it all in. Come on! Let’s take a look!
Ring of Kerry/Wild Atlantic WAY (Day1)
Killarney National Forest 
ROSS CASTLE: Built in the late 15th century, Ross Castle sits on the edge of Killarney’s lower lake in Killarney National Forest.
ROK/WAW DAY 2: Kinsale, Charles Fort, Ring of Kerry Site
Town of Kinsale 
WILD ATLANTIC WAY COASTLINE
NEOLITHIC SITE: Drombeg Stone Circle
MUST SEE #8: The Rock of Cashel- also known as the Cashel of Kings, The Rock of Cashel is an ancient royal site of the Kings of Munster. The oldest building still standing on site is the Round Tower and dates back to 1100.
MUST SEE #9: Kilkenny Castle – Kilkenny Castle stands strategically on the River Nore and overlooks the Town of Kilkenny. The original stone castle was built for William Marshal, 4th Earl of Pembroke in 1146-1219.
There are so many reasons Ireland is one of our favorite destinations. The second you land you feel the buzz hearing that Irish accent authentically welcoming you to their country. The Irish are proud to show…and tell you all about their country, their heritage, their traditions, and all the places you must go. My husband and I have a rule that’s been very successful; if you are asked or told about a site and whether you have or plan to go see it at least three times, then we go. In the month we have been in the country, there has not been one rude occurrence and always a warm welcome in every place we visited. The Irish are excited to show you their exotic land AND to hear about yours.
Travel Tips- (These tips can really save you time and money)
1. Cellphone– Since you will be navigating through large expressways and single land roads, you can get ahead by plotting your locations in your phone before you fly. Most cellphone providers will sell you an overseas plan for the time your gone. We used this so we had emergency call service and so we could navigate.
2. Currency- The currency is Euro. Most U.S. Banks can convert for you. If nothing else, hit the exchange in the airport. Bottom line here is you don’t want to get there with no currency and try to figure out how to pay for tolls, snacks, etc.
– Follow on note. Let your credit card company know you’ll be using your card so they don’t shut it off thinking it has been stolen.
3. Rental Cars– Your U.S. Driver’s License is all you need, but make sure it isn’t expired.
-It is possible to use your U.S. Insurance as long as you have the policy in hand showing they will cover you while driving a rental in Ireland.
-In Ireland you will drive on the opposite side of the road, opposite side of the car, and…most cars have a stick shift so that adds extra fun if you’re not already confused enough. You will also experience KM vs. MPH, roundabouts vs. stop signs. Not a big deal as long as you think about the task at had and know this before you get to your car and get in the wrong side.
–PARKING!!! This is the one thing that could wreck your plans. If you park in a spot that is wrong you could awake to your car being removed in the night. Expensive and time you can’t get back. Always ask your host where to park. You will need to learn how to use a parking tag. You buy these from the corner convenience store and use only once each to park in parking fee spots.
4. Moving Daily VS. Central Base-camp– Our first trip we changed BnB daily. This made the morning rushed and stressful. On our second trip we base-camped in Cork. This allowed us to wake up and go to eat a wonderful breakfast, which we debriefed our host on the previous day’s excitement and ask for that day’s adventure advice. Cannot overstate how much better this was for us. Also gives more time to explore.
5. Attire- Pay attention to the weather. You will notice in some of our pictures that we are wearing jackets. Those pics were taken in August…
– Dining and touring castles. Casual is expected. You don’t need a suit but jeans and t-shirts are often frowned upon.
6. Weather– This can’t be overstated. Even though it doesn’t rain everyday, it will. Plan for rain, cold, and fog. If you’re going to the cliffs and it is all of these, then maybe have a backup. You won’t enjoy the Cliffs if you can’t see them 😬
Nutrient Dense For The Heart and Soul 